GUIDE
Enfamil vs. Parent's Choice
Parent's Choice meets the same FDA nutritional standards as Enfamil and costs 40–50% less. Enfamil adds MFGM — the rest of the nutrition is equivalent.
Walmart's Parent's Choice formula is made by Perrigo, the same company behind most U.S. store-brand formulas. Both Enfamil and Parent's Choice must meet FDA requirements under 21 CFR 107. The difference is in proprietary additions and price — not base safety or nutrition.
The Honest Starting Point
If you are choosing between Enfamil and Parent's Choice, the most important fact is this: both meet the same FDA nutritional standards under 21 CFR 107. The FDA sets minimum and maximum levels for 29 nutrients in all infant formula sold in the United States. Parent's Choice must pass the same testing and manufacturing standards as Enfamil.
Parent's Choice is made by Perrigo, the largest store-brand formula manufacturer in the country. Perrigo produces formula in FDA-inspected facilities and also makes Kirkland (Costco), Up & Up (Target), and Member's Mark (Sam's Club). This is a massive, well-regulated operation — not a discount shortcut.
The price difference between Enfamil and Parent's Choice — roughly $15 per can — reflects marketing spend, hospital contracts, and proprietary ingredient additions. It does not reflect a difference in the safety or base nutritional quality of the formula.
For a broader look at feeding amounts by age, see our baby feeding chart.
| Feature | Enfamil NeuroPro | Parent's Choice | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Reckitt (Mead Johnson) | Perrigo (for Walmart) | Both are established manufacturers with FDA-inspected facilities |
| Protein source | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate | Same base proteins |
| Fat source | Palm olein, soy, coconut, high oleic sunflower oils | Palm olein, soy, coconut, high oleic safflower oils | Very similar fat blends. Both use palm olein oil. |
| Carbohydrate source | Lactose | Lactose | Same primary carbohydrate |
| Signature ingredient | MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) | None | MFGM is found in breast milk. Evidence of benefit when added to formula is promising but limited. |
| DHA/ARA | Yes, from algal and fungal oils | Yes, from algal and fungal oils | Both include DHA and ARA from similar sources |
| Prebiotics | Polydextrose and GOS | None listed | Enfamil includes a prebiotic blend. Parent's Choice standard line does not. |
| FDA approved | Yes | Yes | Both meet all FDA requirements under 21 CFR 107 |
| Price per oz (powder) | ~$1.10–$1.30/oz prepared | ~$0.70–$0.85/oz prepared | Parent's Choice costs roughly 40–50% less |
| Available at | Grocery stores, pharmacies, Amazon, Walmart, Target | Walmart stores and Walmart.com | Both widely available. Parent's Choice at 4,700+ Walmart locations. |
The Ingredient Differences That Actually Matter
The formulas are remarkably similar. Here is where they genuinely diverge.
MFGM: Enfamil's differentiator
Enfamil NeuroPro includes MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), a complex lipid naturally present in breast milk. MFGM contains phospholipids and sphingomyelin, which Enfamil markets as supporting brain development. Research on MFGM in formula is promising — a 2014 study showed some cognitive benefits — but most evidence is short-term, manufacturer-funded, and focused on biomarkers rather than long-term outcomes.
Parent's Choice does not include MFGM. This does not make it nutritionally incomplete — it means it lacks one specific addition above the FDA baseline that Enfamil markets heavily.
Fat blends: nearly identical
Both Enfamil and Parent's Choice use palm olein oil in their fat blends. This means any concerns about palm olein (firmer stools, slightly reduced calcium absorption) apply equally to both formulas. If palm olein is a concern, you would need to look at a different brand entirely — like Similac, which does not use palm olein.
Prebiotics
Enfamil includes polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) as prebiotics. Parent's Choice standard formula does not include added prebiotics. Prebiotics support beneficial gut bacteria, but formula-fed babies develop healthy gut microbiomes regardless.
What the Marketing Doesn't Tell You
Here is what neither brand will tell you: the FDA nutritional floor is identical. Every infant formula on the shelf meets the same 29-nutrient requirements. Enfamil's MFGM and prebiotic additions represent a small fraction of the overall formulation — the base nutrition that actually feeds your baby is equivalent.
Hospital formula samples are determined by contracts, not clinical judgment. Enfamil pays for shelf space in hospital discharge bags. This creates brand loyalty that starts before you ever make a conscious choice — and it has nothing to do with which formula is best for your baby.
Parent's Choice costs 40–50% less than Enfamil. Over a year of formula feeding, that is roughly $550–780 in savings. For many families, that is a significant amount of money that can go toward other baby needs.
The AAP has stated that store-brand formulas are a nutritionally appropriate option for healthy infants. Choosing Parent's Choice is not cutting corners — it is making an informed decision about value.
| Product | Typical Price | Cost Per Oz (Prepared) | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enfamil NeuroPro (powder, 20.7 oz) | $33–$38 | ~$1.20/oz prepared | ~$150–$175/month |
| Parent's Choice Infant Formula (powder, 22.2 oz) | $16–$22 | ~$0.75/oz prepared | ~$95–$120/month |
| Annual savings switching to Parent's Choice | — | ~$0.45/oz saved | ~$550–$780/year saved |
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Taste, Mixing, and Practical Differences
Beyond ingredients, here are the real-world differences parents notice.
Taste: Enfamil and Parent's Choice taste slightly different, though the gap is smaller than you might expect given the price difference. Most babies who switch adjust within a few days.
Mixing: Both dissolve in water without significant issues. Some parents find Enfamil slightly smoother. A formula pitcher eliminates any mixing differences.
Availability: Parent's Choice is available at more than 4,700 Walmart locations nationwide and on Walmart.com with delivery options. Enfamil is available virtually everywhere. Neither has an availability advantage in most areas.
WIC eligibility: Both Enfamil and Parent's Choice are WIC-eligible in many states. WIC-approved brands vary by state contract, so check your local office. If WIC covers one brand but not the other, that may be your deciding factor.
Product range: Enfamil offers a wider range of specialty formulas (Gentlease, AR, NeuroPro Sensitive, etc.). Parent's Choice also has a gentle and sensitive line, but the range is smaller. If your baby needs a specialty formula, Enfamil may have more options.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Switching from Enfamil to Parent's Choice should not require a doctor's visit for most healthy babies. However, contact your pediatrician if your baby shows signs of formula intolerance after the change.
Signs to Discuss With Your Pediatrician
- Your baby is consistently refusing feeds or eating significantly less than expected
- Persistent vomiting (not just spit-up) after most feedings
- Blood or mucus in stools
- Significant fussiness that does not improve after 1–2 weeks on a new formula
- Poor weight gain or weight loss
- Signs of allergic reaction: hives, facial swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing (seek immediate care)
Most formula discomfort (mild gas, occasional spit-up) is normal and does not require a formula change. Give any new formula at least 1–2 weeks before deciding it is not working. If you are tracking symptoms, bring that data to your appointment.
The Bottom Line
Enfamil NeuroPro and Parent's Choice share the same FDA nutritional foundation and very similar ingredient lists. The real difference is Enfamil's MFGM and prebiotic additions — which have promising but limited evidence — and a substantial price gap.
Choose Enfamil if: you value the MFGM and prebiotic additions, your baby is thriving on it, or your WIC program specifically covers it.
Choose Parent's Choice if: you want to save $50–65 per month on formula without compromising FDA-regulated nutrition, you shop at Walmart, and your baby has no specific tolerance issues.
Either works well if: your baby is healthy, full-term, and growing normally. Both meet the same regulatory standards.
If you are switching, tracking feeds and symptoms for 1–2 weeks gives you data instead of guesswork. tinylog logs feeds, diapers, and fussiness so you can see whether the switch actually made a difference.
For more store-brand comparisons, see Similac vs. Parent's Choice and cheapest baby formulas. For the name-brand matchup, see Enfamil vs. Similac.
Related Guides
- Best Baby Formulas 2026 — An evidence-based guide
- Cheapest Formulas — Options that meet every nutritional standard
- Enfamil vs. Similac — A complete comparison
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "21 CFR Part 107 — Infant Formula." Code of Federal Regulations.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. "Choosing an Infant Formula." HealthyChildren.org, 2024.
- Timby N, et al. "Neurodevelopment, nutrition, and growth until 12 mo of age in infants fed a low-energy, low-protein formula supplemented with bovine milk fat globule membranes." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2014.
- Koo WW, et al. "Palm olein in infant formula affects bone mineralization and calcium absorption." Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2006.
- U.S. FDA. "Infant Formula Guidance Documents and Regulatory Information." fda.gov, 2023.
- Perrigo Company. "Infant Formula Manufacturing." perrigo.com, 2025.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Formula recommendations should be discussed with your pediatrician, especially for babies with allergies, reflux, or other medical conditions.